5 Foods That Christopher Columbus Encountered

Much of what we were taught about Christopher Columbus in our childhood is now being questioned. Contrary to popular belief, his mission was not to prove the Earth was round -- by the late 15th century, most already knew that. And the idea of "discovering" land that was already inhabited remains a contentious topic.

One thing we do know for certain is that Columbus encountered a wealth of new, vibrant foods with striking colors and bold flavors. Modern European cuisine owes much to what Columbus found when he mistakenly arrived in America, believing it was India and stepping into the New World.

However, it is also clear that the food Columbus and his crew ate on their journey was far from colorful or exciting.

The difference must have been striking.

Here are five foods Columbus likely consumed during his voyages. The first is a typical sailor’s meal of the era, and it’s one you might want to make a very loose version of if you include it in your holiday spread.

5. Carbs!

Many of us have sworn them off, over and over. But Columbus and his crew, more focused on survival than shedding pounds, certainly consumed their share of carbs.

However, these aren’t the carbs we typically crave. The bread Columbus ate was "hardtack," a hard, unleavened bread that could withstand a long sea voyage without spoiling. Often referred to as a sea biscuit, hardtack was baked twice to reduce moisture and prevent mold.

A variety of preservation methods were essential for making Columbus's lengthy journey possible. The next item on our list is probably one you're more familiar with.

For a commemorative meal...

Try some freshly baked bread or a Mediterranean-style flatbread to honor the journey.

4. A Bounty of Legumes

Dried legumes like lentils and beans were crucial to a sailor's diet. Columbus would have consumed a lot of lentil stew, boiled beans, and chickpeas, all seasoned with whatever salt the ship had on hand.

What Christopher Columbus and his crew likely didn’t eat much of — or at all — was fresh meat. If they had it, it would have been preserved with salt.

For a commemorative meal…

Consider making lentil soup, hummus, or baked beans (with brown sugar, since Columbus did have sugar aboard).

3. Salty, Preserved Meat

Just like dried beans, hard bread, and occasionally dried fruits, preserved meat was a mainstay on long sea journeys. While fresh fish was a possibility, most animal protein came in the form of salted meat.

Columbus likely ate salted beef, cod, and sardines regularly. Salted pork was also a staple on board. In fact, pork was one of the foods Columbus and his crew introduced to the New World.

While pork’s introduction to Mexican cuisine is noteworthy, those who appreciate bold, vibrant flavors might agree that the culinary exchange between Europe and the Americas during this time likely benefitted Europe more than the Americas.

Take the tomato, for example.

For a commemorative meal…

How about fresh-baked or fried cod, corned beef, or carnitas tacos to celebrate?

2. Vegetables from the New World

When Columbus and his crew arrived in the New World, they also discovered a completely new world of food. In Spain and throughout Europe, their diet would have included vegetables like turnips, onions, garlic, and carrots.

By the early 1500s, Columbus was likely enjoying tomatoes, maize corn, and sweet potatoes, all of which had been grown in South America for centuries.

It’s hard to imagine Spanish and Italian cuisine without tomatoes (which, technically, are fruits), but that’s the reality.

The final essential ingredient on our list is one that’s indispensable in many cuisines: spices.

For a commemorative meal…

Consider incorporating maize (if available) or opt for a sweet potato pie, a corn-and-tomato salad, or, to combine the two worlds, a garlic-infused tomato sauce.

1. Suddenly, Spices

Christopher Columbus set out to find a quicker route to the spices of India, but instead, he encountered the spices of the Americas. Columbus would have been introduced to the fiery heat of chili pepper and cayenne, as well as allspice.

The indigenous people may have also introduced him to vanilla and cocoa (chocolate). The Aztecs consumed chocolate in its bitter, unrefined form, while it was only in Europe that sugar and milk were added to create the sweet, creamy treat we enjoy today.

Feel free to end your Columbus Day meal with a slice of chocolate cake, a bowl of chocolate pudding, some chocolate cookies, or even just a chunk of plain chocolate. It’s all part of the holiday spirit.

For a commemorative meal…

Why not try chili, jalapeno poppers, Jamaican jerk chicken, or mole to mark the occasion?